Time and time again, National Trust (NT) employees show their true ignorant and uneducated colours when they challenge YouTubers about filming on sites or flying drones over sites - but from public vantage points. NT policy (on their website) states that filming outdoors on their properties is OK yet they contradict themselves when responding to negative reviews on Trustpilot, claiming that filming isn't allowed and nor is drone flying, even if undertaken from land not under NT ownership. Calke Abbey is one such property recently featured on YouTube (by DJE Media). Here we witnessed tyrannical NT staff on a steroid induced power trip, ordering him not to film, not to fly his drone - even from public land, then revoking his visit when he stood up for his rights, some of those enshrined in NT's own policing on filming. A disgusting abuse of power against somebody who had paid for his entry ticket yet wouldn't back down in the face of a group of uneducated and ignorant NT staff. It seems this charity is rife with arrogance and can't accept the fact their staff can and do get it wrong. PS - PJ Audits, another YouTuber also get's it in the neck from NT staff at Clumber Park.

I have an ongoing concern with the National Trust and in particular with their desire to continually hide the historic truth behind the causes of extreme wealth for their historical property owners. In many cases they were heavily involved in the capture, torture, suffering and death of slaves used to generate their wealth. One such property is West Green House Garden. It is a National Trust property located in Hampshire, England Tainted with symbolism of Slavery & Racism The gardens are beautiful and the plants are a joy, however you will find on your journey through the gardens a statue of an African slave, bended upon one knee, carrying the burden of a sun dial, facing in subservience to the manor house. And here I stand yet again at another of the National Trusts properties which echoes their colonial and racist past. Why is this statue, set in a pseudo plantation with caged birds in the background, still being presented as some form of folly? The hurt it causes is a deep scar. If you are a visitor to this place perhaps you may want to have a conversation with them about this symbolism and ask them why they feel it appropriate to show such a disrespectful and disgraceful scene, as if it were funny and entertaining. "Simply Hurtful and Hateful" I would expect nothing less from the National Trust. They continually refuse to tell the real truth about their properties, choosing always to ignore the horrendous pain and suffering caused to slaves with a turn of their head. It is easier for them to face the flowers, and never the music. Please do visit if you want to, but please also understand the hurt that the National Trust perpetuate and refuse to address, even to this day. Edited in reply to National Trust response 9th Sep '24 Your response is appreciated. However your emotionless tone remains a core concern for me and many, many others. You appear to think that it is okay to leave the statue depicting a subservient slave in situ, and to a so called slave master! Let me be clear by providing you with a very brief history lesson on slavery, and how slaves suffered immense pain and cruelty - perhaps then you could reply once more? In the not too distant past, human beings from African tribes were captured against their will and taken away from their families and homeland. They were transported by boat to places where slavery was rife. This includes the Americas. It was not uncommon for a slave to rebel against their captors by refusing to do as they ordered. To make an example of that slave the captors broke their arms and legs by blunt force, using something not too dissimilar to a sledge hammer, leaving them shackled in chains and whilst they screamed in agony; they were thrown overboard to a certain, and very slow death. Perhaps you'd like to reflect on this historical truth, and tell me once more that you should leave that statue in situ!

I placed an online order on 17th August for a birthday present. After a week I emailed to ask for delivery update and was informed that the item was out of stock. I was very cross, when I placed the order and paid for the item at no time was I told it was out of stock, I wonder how long they would have waited before informing me of this if I hadn't emailed them. I waited for a few days for what should have been an automatic refund but again I had to ask for it. Today 3rd September, I am still waiting.

Why do your staff tell people they can't fly a drone over your property? If a drone is launched from an area outside your property and flies over your land it's legally allowed - you do not own the airspace! I suggest your staff are educated as to this fact as they currently seem to be unaware of the law. You guy's do a fantastic job maintaining the heritage of our country but misquoting the law does not portray you well!

This is our second year of being members and the joint membership price is fair. We are lucky to live quite locally to a fair few National Trusts sites and being members gives us the option to return to our favourite places as often as we want (Kedleston Hall, Shugborough Estate, Dovedale and especially, Calke Abbey, as it's where we got engaged!). We have visited places further afield and our breaks away are usually based on visiting a NT. We recently visited Bodnant Gardens on a birthday trip and want to return again in different seasons. It's absolutely beautiful! The NT sites have always been spectacular and its wonderful that we can take our own picnic at most of them (although sometimes we grab something from the in-house cafe). My recommendation is the curried cauliflower pasty, which is an absolute treat to eat! The staff/volunteers around each site are always helpful and friendly to chat to. We have always loved our experiences and days out at a NT site and have never had a bad visit! The app has been handy when out and about, and I enjoy receiving the handbook and magazines that come through the posts with updates. The handbook is always enjoyable to go through when planning our next few trips. It's worth being a member!

Horsey Wind pump Norfolk A comprehensive tourist trap. Expensive parking, Expensive facilities and ridiculously expensive cafe. Visited today with the intention of taking pictures from the top of the windmill. £4 minimum parking fee. £7 per person to climb mill and one look at the price of a coffee and we left. Foolishly we paid for parking then we left.

Places arf lovely to visit, they do a good job, but the cafes are a let down , quality has gone down but prices gone up , the last tea we had was like dish water & the cakes are just two mouthfuls, so we still visit but bring our own lunch, the NT is a huge business so why is it I can get a decent tea & cake from an independent shop for less ?

Charging for car parks not only contradicts the organization's mission of promoting access to nature and historical landmarks but also goes against the principles of public service and conservation. By imposing fees, the National Trust risks alienating potential visitors who may be unable or unwilling to pay for parking, consequently limiting the reach and impact of its work. Moreover, charging for car parks creates a financial barrier that disproportionately affects lower-income individuals and families, contradicting the values of inclusivity and diversity that are essential to fostering a sense of belonging and connection with nature. The National Trust should reconsider this policy in order to uphold its commitment to preserving cultural heritage and environmental stewardship for all members of society! And a boss who's on 200K per year yes you Hilary McGrady!!!

Queued for 20 minutes to get in the car park. Lost interest and gave up on queuing for the cafe due to the very long queue.

Arrived in Portstewart for a weeks holiday. Went to Strand beach and was informed I had to pay £8 to park. I was not informed that as a blue badge holder they was no charge. This is a serious ommission, as blue badge holders, not aware of this fact, would pay out in ignorance. Outrageous behaviour to visitors to Portstewart. I would not be a member of the Nat.Trust when this dishonesty pervades it's organisation.